Chapter 1: 

(Present Time)

“You look beautiful,” Bette said. She did not have to lie; her girlfriend did look beautiful. “Really, Helena. It looks great.”

“You don’t think it’s too drab? Mum won’t be pleased if I show up to her fundraiser looking…” Helen started.

Bette cut off her girlfriend with a tender kiss and ran her fingers through Helena’s freshly straightened hair. “You look beautiful,” Bette stated matter-of-factly, ending the issue.

Bette proceeded to shed the robe she was wearing after her shower to change into her suit she had just picked up from the drycleaners. Bette adored Helena, in every way possible to adore someone without being in love. Although their relationship had been increasing in intensity since they started dating five months ago, the only reason they started dating was because of Helena’s mother Peggy.

Peggy constantly donated to Bette’s museum and was a huge supporter of Bette’s escalading career. Peggy wanted to best for her daughter, and Helena found no reason to deny dating Bette. Bette was beautiful, smart, successful and motivated. Bette felt the same way towards Helena. They had colliding personalities, but they got along and found the other attractive in every sense of the word.

All these reasons alone did not change the fact that there was no chemistry between them when they first met.

(A little over 5 Months Ago)

“So, Bette, are you seeing anyone special? Besides this God awful museum- that you are far too talented for- I mean?” Peggy inquired over a cocktail with Bette one afternoon.

Bette chuckled. Peggy always thought Bette was wasting her talents at the California Arts Center, but Bette loved the control she had over the exhibits and the overall quaintness of its feel.

“No, Peggy… actually, I just split up with my girlfriend.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, dear. Things end terribly?”

Bette internally laughed at the thought. Was breaking up with Alice terrible? “It was the best break up anyone could wish to go through. I made a best friend in the process.”

“Well, cheers to that,” Peggy said and offered her martini glass in the air. Bette raised hers as well, and took a sip. For a moment, Peggy was lost in a thought, then a generous smile beamed over her middle-aged face.